RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Architecture and Design Commission and with the support of the Ministry of Culture, will be part of the 2025 London Design Biennale under the theme “Drinkable Water.”
The event will be held in Somerset House from June 5-29.
This year’s pavilion is handled by a team of designers who will use their expertise to present an exhibition that examines, challenges, and reimagines systems of water access and distribution, as well as the nature of our relationship with it.
The “Drinkable Water” concept, chosen by the organizers of the exhibition, is in line with the biennale’s theme for this year, which is “Surface Reflections,” as it explores how ideas are shaped through the interaction of inner experiences, external influences and personal history.
The national Saudi pavilion tackles the water dispenser concept, which provides drinking water for free and symbolizes hospitality, a value deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s rich traditions. These water dispensers are spread throughout the Kingdom, offering water to passersby, reflecting the ethics of generosity and kindness.
The water dispenser in the context of this exhibition does not only represent mere goodwill but also raises fundamental questions, such as: Who pays for the “free” water? How much does it really cost? And most importantly, if this burden falls on another party, won’t the cost, in one way or another, ultimately be borne by everyone?
The pavilion also stresses that water dispensers are often taken for granted and seen as mere public utilities; by reframing water as a subject of scrutiny and inquiry, we shift perceptions and uncover the unseen, turning thus these marginal structures into an active force in our daily lives.
CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission Dr. Sumaya Al-Sulaiman said: “Saudi Arabia’s return to the London Design Biennale constitutes a new promising chapter of our commitment to using design as an effective tool for dialogue and cultural exchange.”
She added: “We hope that our participation in the London Design Biennale will enable us to contribute to discussions on creativity, innovation, and systemic thinking.”
